U.S. patent number 6,658,676 [Application Number 10/049,295] was granted by the patent office on 2003-12-09 for semi-permanent bedsheet device.
Invention is credited to Coral Margaret Persson, Peter Persson.
United States Patent |
6,658,676 |
Persson , et al. |
December 9, 2003 |
Semi-permanent bedsheet device
Abstract
A bedsheet device (10) configured to overlay a mattress (12),
the bedsheet device (10) comprising: a slide sheet (14, 16) being
constructed of a pliable material and having a lower surface (14)
which is of a relatively low friction material designed to slide
relative to an upper surface of the mattress (12) under the weight
of a patient; and reinforcing means (20) affixed to the slide sheet
(14, 16) to provide sufficient reinforcement to permit suspension
and/or turning of the patient upon the slide sheet (14, 16), said
reinforcing means (20) being capable of being manipulated
independent of the slide sheet (14, 16) to effect said suspension
and/or turning of the patient.
Inventors: |
Persson; Coral Margaret (late
of Tarlee, AU), Persson; Peter (Yeppoon QLD 4703,
AU) |
Family
ID: |
25620401 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/049,295 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2002 |
PCT
Filed: |
August 11, 2000 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/AU00/00955 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO01/12028 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
February 22, 2001 |
Foreign Application Priority Data
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Aug 11, 1999 [AU] |
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PQ5331 |
Apr 14, 2000 [AU] |
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27784/00 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
5/81.1HS; 5/89.1;
5/926 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61G
7/1026 (20130101); A61G 7/103 (20130101); A61G
7/1055 (20130101); A61G 7/1061 (20130101); A61G
7/001 (20130101); A61G 7/1023 (20130101); A61G
7/1069 (20130101); A61G 2200/32 (20130101); Y10S
5/926 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61G
7/10 (20060101); A61G 7/00 (20060101); A61G
007/14 () |
Field of
Search: |
;5/81.1R,81.1T,81.1HS,89.1,926 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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195 01 225 |
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Jul 1996 |
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DE |
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298 03 192 |
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May 1998 |
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DE |
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2 294 883 |
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May 1996 |
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GB |
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WO 96/27357 |
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Sep 1996 |
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WO |
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WO 97/38659 |
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Oct 1997 |
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WO |
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Primary Examiner: Trettel; Michael F.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Larson & Taylor PLC
Claims
The claims defining the invention are as follows:
1. A bedsheet device being configured to overlay a mattress, said
bedsheet device comprising: a slide sheet being constructed of a
pliable material and having a lower surface which is of a
relatively low friction material designed under a load or weight of
a patient to slide relative to an upper surface of the mattress;
and a plurality of spaced apart reinforcing members each being
affixed and extending longitudinally along the upper surface of the
slide sheet, and being spaced at a distance from an edge of the
slide sheet to permit sliding of said sheet under the load or
weight of the patient across the mattress, said reinforcing members
capable of being manipulated independent of the slide sheet to
effect said sliding, turning and/or suspension of the patient.
2. A bedsheet device as defined in claim 1 further comprising a
cover material affixed to the upper surface of the slide sheet, the
cover material providing a resting surface on which the patient may
rest and together with the slide sheet being adapted to slidably
move relative to the mattress and to overlay the mattress in a
resting position wherein the slide sheet is prevented from moving
relative to the mattress.
3. A bedsheet device as defined in claim 2 wherein the cover
material is at least partly fabricated from a synthetic fabric
including a cotton fabric.
4. A bedsheet device as defined in claim 3 wherein the cover
material is stitched to the slide sheet.
5. A bedsheet device as defined in claim 1 wherein the reinforcing
members are also designed to provide lifting locations to which a
mechanical lifting apparatus or other lifting means can be
connected or coupled for lifting of the bedsheet device together
with the patient or turning of the patient.
6. A bedsheet device as defined in claim 1, said device being
adapted to retractably receive a stiffening panel which is designed
to provide additional support to the patient.
7. A bedsheet device as defined in claim 1 further comprising an
undersheet being constructed of another pliable material and having
an upper surface which is of a relatively low friction material
designed to slidably bear against the lower surface of the slide
sheet to enhance sliding movement of said slide sheet relative to
the mattress, the undersheet being configured to be anchored to the
mattress or the slide sheet.
8. A bedsheet device as defined in claim 1 wherein the slide sheet
is constructed of a pliant fabric, a pliant plastic and fabric
laminate, a pliant plastic or a combination thereof.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a bedsheet device being
designed to overlay a mattress and relates particularly, though not
exclusively, to a semi-permanent bedsheet device. The invention
further relates to a bedsheet device also being appropriate for
suspending and/or turning a patient via a mechanical lifting
apparatus or the like.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
There are several "bedslides" or patient transfer sheets described
in the patent literature of which U.S. Pat. No. 5,329,655 and
Australian patent application No. 49606/96 appear most relevant to
the bedsheet device of the present invention. U.S. Pat. No.
5,329,655 discloses a patient sheet having a top surface and a
bottom surface to which a low friction material is stitched. In
operation, the low friction material is designed to slide across a
mattress whilst a patient rests on the top surface of the patient
sheet. This allows turning of a patient or transfer of the patient
from one bed to another. The "transfer device" of AU 49606/96
includes both an upper sheet having a padded portion and a moisture
absorbing layer together with a low friction lower surface, and a
lower sheet having a low friction upper surface. The lower sheet is
designed to tuck in and under the mattress and the upper sheet is
secured to the lower sheet via VELCRO (hook and loop) straps. In
use, the VELCRO straps are released to permit sliding of the upper
sheet with a patient lying thereon across the lower sheet. Although
relatively effective in moving a patient with minimal disturbance,
these "bedslides" are somewhat difficult for patient carers and the
like to manipulate. In both prior art examples an edge of the
patient sheet or the upper sheet itself are grasped by hand and the
sheet then drawn across the mattress or the lower sheet.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided
a bedsheet device being configured to overlay a mattress, said
bedsheet device comprising: a slide sheet being constructed of a
pliable material and having a lower surface which is of a
relatively low friction material designed under the weight of a
patient to slide relative to an upper surface of the mattress; and
reinforcing means affixed to the slide sheet to provide sufficient
reinforcement to permit suspension and/or turning of the patient
upon the slide sheet, said reinforcing means capable of being
manipulated independent of the slide sheet to effect said
suspension and/or turning of the patient.
Preferably said reinforcing means includes a plurality of spaced
apart reinforcing members each being fixed to the slide sheet to
permit transverse or longitudinal sliding of said slide sheet under
the load or weight of a patient across the mattress. Generally the
reinforcing members are each formed from elongate fabric webbing
which is longitudinally stitched to the slide sheet.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is
provided a bedsheet device being configured to overlay a mattress,
said bedsheet device comprising: a slide sheet being constructed of
a pliable material and having a lower surface which is of a
relatively low friction material designed under the weight of a
patient to slide relative to an upper surface of the mattress; and
a plurality of spaced apart reinforcing members each being affixed
to the slide sheet to permit sliding of said sheet under the load
or weight of a patient across the mattress, said reinforcing
members capable of being manipulated independent of the slide sheet
to effect said sliding of the patient.
Preferably the bedsheet device further comprises a cover material
affixed to an upper surface of the slide sheet, the cover material
providing a resting surface on which the patient may rest and
together with the slide sheet being adapted to slidably move
relative to the mattress and to overlay the mattress in a resting
position wherein the slide sheet is prevented from moving relative
to the mattress.
Typically the reinforcing members are also designed to provide
lifting locations to which a mechanical lifting apparatus or other
lifting means can be connected or coupled for lifting of the
bedsheet device together with the patient or turning of the
patient.
Preferably said bedsheet device is adapted to retractably receive a
stiffening panel which is designed to provide additional support to
the patient.
Preferably the bedsheet device may further comprise an undersheet
being constructed of another pliable material and having an upper
surface which is of a relatively low friction material designed to
slidably bear against the lower surface of the slide sheet to
enhance sliding movement of said slide sheet relative to the
mattress, the undersheet configured to be anchored to the mattress
or the slide sheet. More preferably the undersheet is fixed to a
bottom sheet which is wrapped about the sides of the mattress
thereby anchoring the undersheet to the mattress. Alternatively the
undersheet may be secured to the bed via one or more anchoring
straps. Generally the undersheet is fabricated of similar materials
to the slide sheet such as DACRON fabric or a DACRON/MYLAR
laminate.
Preferably the slide sheet is constructed of a pliant fabric, a
pliant plastic and fabric laminate, a pliant plastic or a
combination thereof. Generally the pliant fabric is a polyester
fabric such as that sold under the Dupont trademark of DACRON. The
pliant plastic may be a plastic film such as that sold under
another Dupont trademark of MYLAR. These materials are typically
used in the fabrication of yacht's sails and in particular
relatively lightweight material used in the fabrication of
spinnakers.
Typically the cover material is at least partly fabricated from a
synthetic fabric including a cotton fabric such as calico.
Generally the cover material is at least partly constructed of an
absorbent fabric. Additionally the cover material may be formed in
a pair of opposing synthetic fabric layers with a filler or padding
material located therebetween.
Preferably the cover material is stitched to the slide sheet. More
preferably said stitching is predominantly arranged transverse to
the cover material and thus oriented longitudinally along the
mattress with the bedsheet device fitted about the mattress.
Generally the bedsheet device is fitted to the mattress in the
resting position via opposing side portions of the slide sheet
and/or cover material which are tucked under the mattress.
Alternatively or additionally the bedsheet device is draped across
the mattress and anchored or fitted via one or more straps secured
to a portion of a bed frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order to achieve a better understanding of the nature of the
present invention several preferred embodiments of a bedsheet
device will now be described, by way of example only, with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a plan view of an undersurface of a bedsheet device;
FIG. 2 is a top view of the bedsheet device of FIG. 1 when fitted
to a mattress of a bed;
FIG. 3 is a top view of an optional undersheet fitted to the
mattress;
FIG. 4 illustrates various accessory items to the bedsheet
device;
FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of the bedsheet device fitted to
a mattress together with the accessory items;
FIG. 6 schematically depicts another bedsheet device in conjunction
with a mechanical lifter; and
FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a further bedsheet device in
conjunction with a mechanical lifter;
FIG. 8 is a plan view of an upper surface of yet another bedsheet
device;
FIG. 9 is a plan view of an undersurface of the bedsheet device of
FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is a plan view of an optional waterproof sheet to be fitted
to the upper surface of the bedsheet device;
FIG. 11 is a plan view of yet another bedsheet device; and
FIG. 12 is a plan view of an undersurface of yet a further bedsheet
device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 there is a bedsheet device designated
generally as 10 being adapted to overlay a mattress 12. The
semi-permanent bedsheet device 10 comprises an orthogonal-shaped
slide sheet 14 and a cover material 16.
The slide sheet 14 of this embodiment is rectangular and fabricated
from a pliable polyester fabric such as that sold in Australia and
around the world under the Dupont trade mark of DACRON. The DACRON
slide sheet 14 is typically of a weight which is appropriate for
the fabrication of a yacht's sails such as relatively lightweight
spinnaker cloth.
The rectangular DACRON slide sheet 14 which is depicted with solid
outline is stitched to the cover material 16 which is also shaped
rectangular. As shown in FIG. 1 the rectangular cover material 16
extends beyond the boundaries of the slide sheet 14. The cover
material 16 is in this example fabricated from a synthetic fabric
such as calico which advantageously provides an absorbent surface.
The cover material 16 may be fabricated from a pair of opposing
synthetic fabric layers with a filler or padding material located
in between. The filler or padding material is designed for both
comfort and to provide an absorbent layer and may be in the form of
a doona or include a natural wool fill. An exposed upper surface of
the cover material 16 defines a resting surface on which a patient
lies. The slide sheet 14 to cover material 16 stitching extends
transversely across the slide sheet device 10. Additionally, the
cover material 16 may be provided with reinforcing strips 18 which
are spaced from one another and extend longitudinally along the
cover material 16. Alternatively the cover material 16 may be
reinforced by folding the cover material back onto itself and
stitching or sewing as a pleat/tuck.
In this particular construction of the bedsheet device 10 there are
reinforcing means in the form of a series of strengthening members
of webbing such as 20 stitched to both the slide sheet 14 and the
cover material 16. The webbing 20 extends longitudinally along the
bedsheet device 10 and is aligned with the reinforcing strips 18 of
the cover material 16. Importantly, the reinforcing webbing 20 is
stitched to the slide sheet 14 and/or the cover material 16 at
spaced locations so as to provide grips for manipulation or sliding
of the bedsheet device 10 transversely or longitudinally across the
mattress. This allows for relatively easy movement of the slide
sheet 14 by gripping or otherwise manipulating the reinforcing
webbing 20. These grips such as 22 also provide convenient means
for fitting or anchoring the bedsheet device 10 in a resting
position to a bed or the like.
FIG. 3 illustrates an optional undersheet 30 which may constitute a
further component of the bedsheet device 10. The undersheet 30 is
in this example constructed of a similar material to the slide
sheet 14 such as DACRON. The undersheet 30 is stitched to a
conventional bottom sheet 32 which is designed to wrap about the
sides of a mattress so as to anchor the undersheet 30 to the
mattress. The undersheet 30 is positioned relative to the
conventional bottom sheet 32 so that the undersheet 30 aligns with
the slide sheet 14. In combination the slide sheet 14 and
undersheet 30 provide particularly "slippery" surfaces which permit
relatively easy sliding movement of the bedsheet device 10 relative
to the mattress 12 under the weight of a patient. However, it
should be appreciated that the bedsheet device 10 need not include
the undersheet 30 but rather may slide directly upon the mattress
12 or the conventional bottom sheet 32.
FIGS. 4 and 5 depict the bedsheet device 10 in a resting position
fitted to the mattress 12 of a bed 40 together with accessory
straps such as 50 and 52. In this example the bed is in the form of
a bed trolley 40 of a conventional construction with side rails and
barriers. The accessory straps 50 and 52 as shown in detail in FIG.
5 are configured to loop through one of the grips such as 22 of the
bedsheet device 10 and clip back onto itself. The accessory strap
50 or 52 is wrapped about a rigid portion of the bed trolley 40
such as the bedhead or side rail so as to restrict inadvertent
sliding of the bedsheet device 10 relative to the mattress 12. The
accessory straps 50 or 52 may be adjustable and as illustrated are
of a conventional construction having either a clamp and loop or
mutually engagable clips at respective opposing ends.
FIG. 6 schematically illustrates another embodiment of the
invention in the form of a bedsheet device designated generally as
100 being designed for lifting a patient 102. The bedsheet device
100 is similar in construction to the bedsheet device 10 described
above. For ease of reference and to avoid repetition similar
components have been designated with an additional "0". For
example, the slide sheet of this bedsheet device 100 has been
designated as 140.
The bedsheet device 100 in its basic form may not include a cover
material such as that present in-the preceding bedsheet device 10.
The bedsheet device 100 is designed to be lifted in conjunction
with the patient 102 via a mechanical lifting apparatus such as
104. The lifting apparatus 104 in this embodiment includes a
lifting frame or hanger 106 to which the sling device 100 is
coupled. A rigid lifting arm such as 108 engages adjacent grips
such as 220 of adjacent strengthening members 200 which are formed
of relatively strong webbing. The lifting arms 108 may be
incorporated in the sling device 100 or provided as components of
the mechanical lifting apparatus 104.
Alternatively the loops 101 provided at each corner of the lifting
apparatus 104 engage the grips 220 themselves.
In operation the bedsheet device 100 which is fabricated from the
pliable DACRON material is at least partially rolled and then slid
under the patient 102. The rolled portion of the sling device 100
can then be unrolled and the sling device 100 coupled to the
mechanical lifting device 104 as shown in FIG. 6. If additional
support is required for the patient the relatively "slippery"
surface of the DACRON slide sheet 140 may be slid under a firm yet
pliable slide 110. This is particularly advantageous where the
patient has suspected bone fractures or the like. The applicant
also intends the bedsheet device 100 to be lifted "hands-free" with
a sling arrangement (not shown) which is worn by a carer. The sling
is worn over the carer's shoulders and crosses over their chest.
The sling couples to the bedsheet device itself or a bar or lifting
rod which is inserted in the device 100.
It should be appreciated that the bedsheet device 100 may be
fabricated in the same fashion as the preceding bedsheet device 10.
In this instance the bedsheet device 10/100 serves the dual purpose
of allowing movement of the patient across a bed whilst also
permitting lifting of the patient clear of the bed. Thus, the
bedsheet device 10/100 permits relatively easy movement of the
patient whilst also being capable of remaining in-situ on the bed
or mattress so that it is semi-permanent.
FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of the bedsheet device shown
as 100 in conjunction with a mechanical lifting apparatus shown
generally a 104. In this embodiment a lifting bar such as 103 is
slid between opposing strengthening members such as 180 and 200.
The mechanical lifting apparatus 104 engages the bar 101 to effect
movement of the bedsheet device 100 for lifting or rolling of the
patient.
FIGS. 8 and/or 9 are plan views of an upper and a lower surface,
respectively, of a further embodiment of a bedsheet device shown
generally as 10. For ease of reference and in order to avoid
repetition, similar features of this bedsheet device have been
designated with the same reference numerals as the first described
embodiment of the invention. In this example the cover material 16
is shaped generally elliptical rather than rectangular. The slide
sheet 14 is shaped substantially identical to the cover sheet 16
but with its opposing ends truncated. The slide sheet 14 is
stitched to the cover material 16. A cavity shown as hidden detail
in FIG. 9 is provided between the slide sheet 14 and the cover
material 16. A stiffening panel 15 is inserted in the cavity 13
between the slide sheet 14 and the cover material 16. The
stiffening panel is preferably constructed of a plastics sheet
which may be in the form of a fiberglass stiffening panel. This
provides additional support to a patient resting on the bedsheet
device 10.
FIGS. 8 and 9 depict two embodiments of extended grips such as 19
which are stitched to the slide sheet 14 and/or the cover material
16, the extended grips 19 allowing for relatively easy manipulation
or sliding of the bedsheet device 10. Alternatively, the extended
grips 19 are designed to receive pole or bar inserts such as 103
depicted in FIG. 7. Additionally or alternatively, the grips such
as 19 may include slots such as 21 which a carer can grab to effect
relatively easy manipulation of the bedsheet device 10. In these
embodiments the extended grips or hand holes such as 19 or 21,
respectively, constitute reinforcing means. Furthermore, the cover
material 16 is at opposing ends folded back onto itself to provide
additional strength to the bedsheet device 10. FIG. 10 illustrates
a waterproof sheet 23 which is designed to attach to an upper
surface of the cover material 16. In this example press studs such
as 25 are included on the waterproof sheet 23 and the cover
material 16 for affixture of the waterproof sheet 23. Otherwise,
the cover material 16 is designed to tuck in and under a mattress
as described above. The bedsheet device 10 may be located directly
on the mattress or alternatively placed over the optional
undersheet 30 described earlier.
FIGS. 11 and 12 depict two (2) further embodiments of the bedsheet
device 10. Once again, like components have been designated with
the same reference numerals. The bedsheet device of FIG. 11 is
shaped generally rectangular with its corners truncated. In both
examples the bedsheet device 10 is fabricated from a high strength
cellulose material. No reinforcing webs are provided but rather
overlapping of end portions of the bedsheet device 10 provide
adequate strength for manipulation of the bedsheet device 10.
Additionally, handles or grips such as 25 may be provided on
opposing ends of the bedsheet device 10. In this example the upper
and lower surfaces of the cellulose material itself serve as the
cover material and the slide sheet, respectively. Additionally,
opposing ends of the bedsheet device 10 may be formed as a tube
such as 29 so as to receive a lifting bar such as 103.
Now that several preferred embodiment of the invention have been
described in some detail it will be apparent to those skilled in
the art that the bedsheet device has at least the following
advantages: (i) the device permits relatively easy movement of
patients with minimal disturbance to the patient; (ii) the device
allows carers or resource personnel to move patients with minimal
physical effort; (iii) the device can remain in place after use and
thus forms a semi-permanent fixture on the bed; and (iv) the
bedsheet device is relatively simple and safe to use.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention
described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications
other than those specifically described. For example, the slide
sheet may be constructed of practically any pliable material which
permits sliding of a patient relative to another surface such as a
mattress or floor. The specific constructional features of the
bedsheet device and the sling device may vary provided they
function as broadly defined in the specification. According to
other embodiments of the invention the bedsheet device may
comprise: (i) a slide sheet alone together with one or more grips
provided in one embodiment by webbing stitched to the slide sheet
to permit sliding of the bedsheet device together with a patient
lying thereon across the bed; or (ii) a slide sheet and an
underslide sheet which is designed to secure to the bed, the slide
sheet capable of being dragged or slid across the underslide sheet
under the weight of a patient.
If the bedsheet device does not include a cover material, a
comfortable and prefererably absorbent layer of bedding may be
located between the patient and the slide sheet. If the slide sheet
itself is not waterproof a waterproof drawsheet may also be placed
on top of or underneath the slide sheet to prevent soiling of the
mattress.
All such variations and modifications are to be considered within
the scope of the present invention the nature of which is to be
determined from the foregoing description.
* * * * *